301 A or a 500 - mint condition -- which one should I get?
 

Both are in mint condition. The 500 has a wooden cabinet and chair as well. The 301A selling for $125.00. The 500 for $100.00. Need help as both are gorgeous machines.

(((sigh))) both of those were on my wish list...that was until I brought home two 301's on the wknd. Now all I am after is a Rocketeer...so that would be my choice :-)


J

Both of those were on my wish list but now I have seven 301's and also a 500. If you can only get one then I would go with the 500 (especially because it comes with the cabinet and chair) because I don't see those on Craigslist as often as I see the 301's.

Forgot to ask, which color is the 301? Is there any possibility that you can get both :p ??

The 301 is a short bed black. I wish I could get both! My husband is out of a job and we really can't afford even one of them but it's hard to see the 500 go for that price with the cabinet and chair. I found a 403A a couple weeks ago with the original cabinet for $60. It was a bit scuffed up but with some oiling in runs like a champ. Just not sure I really need another bigger machine. My wish list is really for two 1964 Featherweights to give to my granddaughters. I have my own that I got when I was 11, which will go to my oldest granddaughter. Now I really need to find two more. Those are really what I want.

Wow, those are both really great prices. I have two 301s so I am prejudice but lots of vintage machines lovers love the 500. How about one being an early Mother's Day present or something? I have a dear friend whose cat gave her a nice ipod for Christmas! :D Seriously, that is what she told me.

I have a 500, and love it. With the 500, you'd have the option of zigzag and decorative stitches. I don't have a 301 yet, it's on my wishlist.
The thing beside the prices, that would be a kicker for me is the cabinet with the chair....dunno why, but I have a fondness for those! :)

I'm with Cathy, I think I'd go with the 500 also for the same reason...you don't find as many 500's out in the wild and the cabinet/chair is an extra bonus also that is a GREAT price for mint, especially. They go for well over $100 in my area with no cabinet. 301's are much easier to find though i will say the black ones are not as plentiful and used to be more highly sought after than now. If your 401 is a little rough, why not sell it on to fund the 301? :thumbup:

I have 5, 301's and no 500 so there's my answer:> I do own a 401 which is the same machine inside as the 500 and I guess the important, distinguishing question would be what do you need it to do? Piecing and FMQ only then for sure the 301. If you need other stitches, then the 500. The 400 and 500 series are not good FMQ machines, so take that into consideration. I use my 401 and like it, but since I FMQ a lot, I prefer my 301's. Black 301's are much harder to find than the mocha ones.

Stick with the 403 - it is a very nice machine - it's my go to machine - less to go wrong than a Singer 500